WASHINGTON – Based on an economic impact study commissioned by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) the meat and poultry industry contributes $1.02 billion to the economy while creating 5.4 million jobs that generate wages of $257 billion. The study, conducted by John Dunham & Associates for the association, determined the impact represents 5.6 percent of the gross domestic product, based on 2014 data. The complete study and its methodology is available at: www.MeatFuelsAmerica.com.

The contribution of each state is included in the complete study in addition to the output of each congressional district. Of the jobs created, approximately 527,000 are in the production and packaging segment, including import operations, sales, packaging and distribution. About 232,000 people are employed by wholesale sector while 1.1 million retail jobs depend on the industry. The study concluded the industry directly employs 1.9 million peopled and generates a total of $71.63 billion in wages and benefits.

“The companies and the people that produce, process, distribute and sell nutritious meat and poultry products are an essential part of the U.S. economy,” said Barry Carpenter, NAMI’s president and CEO. “We are proud that we provide millions of quality jobs in every state and every sector of the U.S. economy and that these jobs ensure people in North America and around the world have access to our high quality, nutritious and affordable products.” 

“While meat and poultry plants are not found in every city in America, our products have a large presence and create millions of jobs and economic impact nationwide,” said Brian Coehlo, NAMI chairman and president of Central Valley Meat in Hanford, California.  “I’m proud that my company’s economic impact helps puts California’s 21^st Congressional district on the top 25 list of districts with the biggest meat and poultry industry-generated economic impact.”

The study also pointed out the peripheral impact that the meat and poultry industry has on the local and state level, said Carpenter.

 “The taxes paid by the meat and poultry industry and its employees contribute to national defense, schools, health care, roads, veterans benefits and even the government regulation of our own industry – which is the most heavily regulated and inspected industry in America,” he said.